WP / Stormers BACK TO THE FUTURE!

[assfly]

Sharks can have him anyday. He is a kak captain for WeePee. Wish we could have Duane Vermeulen.

Wouldn't make the bench with our current crop of players.

[Chilli]

CURRIE CUP SPOTLIGHT: As that old adage goes: ‘Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.’

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In the case of Western Province, the ‘smoke’ is World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi and the ‘fire’ is unheralded young lock David Meihuizen.

WP coach John Dobson revealed that Scottish scouts are offering the 23-year-old, Cape Town-born and Paarl schooled, second row forward an absolute fortune.

Meihuizen will feature in a Province team that shows seven changes when they host the Pumas in a Currie Cup Round Three encounter at Newlands on Friday.

Meihuizen is in for seasoned lock John Schickerling, who is being rested.

However, the decision also relates to the desperate desire to keep the Euro scouts at bay.

“He is a really exciting player that is in high demand overseas,” Dobson told a virtual media briefing, adding that Meihuizen qualifies for England and Scotland.

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“If we don’t play him or give him opportunities, it is going to be harder to retain him.

“We see him as a player with a big future.

“He is in high demand in Scotland [and] there have been some formal approaches via his agent.

“In Scotland, if you get a 2.08m, 123kg player, that is a big unit.”

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Dobson said he has to be realistic about the management of his resources.

(Continue below video …)
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“I can’t wait till next year, and David Meihuizen comes to me, saying: ‘I got 12 minutes or 30 minutes in the whole competition, it is not enough for my development. I am going.’

“I have to be cognizant of that and address it.”

There has been plenty of other rumours around WP players, in the wake of the financial dramas playing themselves out in Cape Town.

“There are a lot of rumours and a lot of smoke at the moment,” Dobson said, when asked by @rugby365com about his players, adding: “[If there’s smoke] you must suspect there must be fire.

“No player has told me officially they are going.

“I know that Harlequins are after a couple of our forwards.

“There has been an article that [WP captain] Siya [Kolisi] may be in demand elsewhere in South Africa,” the coach said about the suggestion that Kolisi could be courted by the Sharks.

“There is a perpetual rumour about Damian Willemse going to the Bulls.

“There is a lot of smoke, but the window [for negotiation] with those players is not open for a couple of months yet.”

However, the Meihuizen situation is very is different.

“He is not an established guy coming off a contract,” Dobson said, adding: “He is a young guy that has to make a call on his future and we really, really want to keep him in this union.

“The only formal chat I have had is with David, because Scotland is offering him an absolute fortune.

“I said to Siya: ‘Do we need to have a chat?’ and he said: ‘Let’s get through [the game against the Pumas on] Friday.’

“That is a responsible and mature attitude.

“I don’t think there is anything formal and there can’t be until the contracting window starts.”

@king365ed
@rugby365com

Oh dear............................

[OomStruisbaai]

Vok me, look like he is looking for reasons to push his Souties in the team.

Pumas by 50.

[Chilli]

Vok me, look like he is looking for reasons to push his Souties in the team.

Pumas by 50.

Which Souties?

[Chilli]

BREAKING NEWS: The Flyt marriage with the Western Province Rugby Football Union is officially on the rocks.

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Flyt CEO Zane de Decker announced on Thursday that it was to claim ‘damages’ from WPRFU, over the latter’s decision to renege on the deal the two groups signed in June.

More to follow …

ISSUED BY ZANE DE DECKER, CEO OF FLYT PROPERTY INVESTMENT

FLYT TO CLAIM DAMAGES AFTER WPRFU RENEGES ON AGREEMENT
10 December 2020

Today, Flyt Property Investment and an associated company Dream World Investments (‘the Flyt Group’) formally lodged a claim with the Western Province Rugby Football Union for damages. The claim arises from WPRFU’s repudiation and breach of the binding agreements it concluded with the Flyt Group in June 2020 for the intended development of the Newlands rugby stadium and other properties owned by WPRFU.

The WPRFU approached the Flyt Group seeking a R112 million loan to settle its looming debts and to conclude a development agreement in June 2020. This was just 30 days before its existing outstanding repayment obligations to Investec and Remgro for R112 million were due. The Flyt Group’s strong balance sheet and ability to fund a deal of this magnitude without bank finance – and the associated delays – meant that it could move swiftly to consider advancing the funds that WPRFU was seeking.

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The Flyt Group and WPRFU’s legal teams and advisors worked 24/7 during June to negotiate a deal that suited both parties. It is well known that the development transaction between WPRFU and the Flyt Group that was validly concluded in July 2020 would use the WPRFU assets, including the land on which Newlands rugby stadium and Brookside rugby club are situated, more efficiently for the Union’s short, medium and long-term economic viability. Critically, the concluded deal would provide the WPRFU with a much-needed and sustainable financial lifeline as a 50:50 partner in all economic benefits derived from the development in the future.

WPRFU President Zelt Marais called the successfully concluded transaction “the deal of the century”. It therefore comes as a surprise that the WPRFU now appear to be seeking a way out of the deal that it sought and on a land value which it determined, which was also concluded after a comprehensive and transparent approval process.

WPRFU and the Flyt Group concluded valid agreements on 10 July 2020 after all required WPRFU forums supported the deal by an “overwhelming majority”. The WPRFU’s financial advisors presented a comprehensive analysis to the various decision-making bodies of the Union that approved the transaction. This included the Council on 30 June 2020, the Union on 8 July 2020, the Executive Committee on 8 July 2020, and the Trustees on 9 July 2020. The entire process was overseen and guided by the WPRFU’s legal team at STBB, its auditors BDO and its professional advisory team.

The Flyt Group has met all requirements of the agreements to date. These include the payment of the R112 million secured loan to WPRFU; the incorporation of the Newlands and Brookside DevCos; and the appointment of a board of directors for both companies, who had started to conduct meetings of the companies to plan for the intended developments.

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Despite compliance by the Flyt Group with the agreements concluded, the WPRFU has inexplicably chosen to replace STBB as its legal advisors with a new litigation attorney, and has deliberately reneged on the transaction. The WPRFU has done so by now objecting to the agreed land value forming part of the substance of the transaction, and through its conduct is acting in flagrant disregard for the binding nature of the agreements.

It is important to point out that the land value agreed on was proposed by the WPRFU, not the Flyt Group. This value has subsequently been incorporated into the Newlands and Brookside DevCo’s that are co-owned by the WPRFU and the Flyt Group. To demand that the price be increased six months after the deal has been concluded is simply outrageous.

The Flyt Group has taken comprehensive legal advice from senior counsel, and is assured of its rights under the agreements duly concluded with the WPRFU. Accordingly, the Flyt Group will now institute a claim for damages under the agreements as it is entitled to do.

The Flyt Group is in the process of quantifying its considerable damages which, in addition to its direct costs, will include the losses sustained as a result of the lost opportunity to develop both the Newlands Stadium and Brookside property as the parties intended.

The Flyt Group had looked forward to working with the WPRFU to co-develop the Newlands and Brookside properties and in this way support the Union’s commitment to bolstering rugby in poorer communities and ensuring a sustainable future for Western Province rugby.

However, If WPRFU fails to compensate the Flyt Group for its damages, it will have no choice but to approach the appropriate forum for relief to compel payment. This will include calling up the secured loans that the Flyt Group holds over the Newlands stadium and other properties.

ENDS.

Oom blaming the Souties in 5.4.3.2...

[handyman]

I wouldn't do a deal with the WP rugby union ever.

This is going to make life very difficult for Dobson as players will only sign short term contracts or a few will leave the union asap.

[Chilli]

I wouldn't do a deal with the WP rugby union ever.

This is going to make life very difficult for Dobson as players will only sign short term contracts or a few will leave the union asap.

As much as Oom blames the Souties, it must be playing on the minds of the players, and affecting their performances.
Is it worthwhile staying with a Union that seems to have financial difficulties in its future?

[handyman]

I wouldn't do a deal with the WP rugby union ever.

This is going to make life very difficult for Dobson as players will only sign short term contracts or a few will leave the union asap.

As much as Oom blames the Souties, it must be playing on the minds of the players, and affecting their performances.
Is it worthwhile staying with a Union that seems to have financial difficulties in its future?

The issue about financial trouble is a valid question, but I would counter it and ask which player has not been paid according to his contract up to this point?

[assfly]

The issue about financial trouble is a valid question, but I would counter it and ask which player has not been paid according to his contract up to this point?

I doubt that's public knowledge. But I think it's safe to assume virtually every union has most likely had to make salary cuts at some point in the last few months.

[OomStruisbaai]

I wouldn't do a deal with the WP rugby union ever.

This is going to make life very difficult for Dobson as players will only sign short term contracts or a few will leave the union asap.

As much as Oom blames the Souties, it must be playing on the minds of the players, and affecting their performances.
Is it worthwhile staying with a Union that seems to have financial difficulties in its future?

Why would I blame the Souties for the kak admins running WeePee?

[Chilli]

I wouldn't do a deal with the WP rugby union ever.

This is going to make life very difficult for Dobson as players will only sign short term contracts or a few will leave the union asap.

As much as Oom blames the Souties, it must be playing on the minds of the players, and affecting their performances.
Is it worthwhile staying with a Union that seems to have financial difficulties in its future?

Why would I blame the Souties for the kak admins running WeePee?

You have been blaming Souties for everything over the last few days

[OomStruisbaai]

I blame Soutie Dobson with his team selection.

You must read my posts, or must I post in afrikaans.

[Chilli]

I blame Soutie Dobson with his team selection.

You must read my posts, or must I post in afrikaans.

You blame the Souties for everything. It is why you hate Sards so much. He has a boertjie name and has turned his back on you.

[OomStruisbaai]

Sards call me Julius Malema. Vok him.

[Rinkals]

I blame Soutie Dobson with his team selection.

You must read my posts, or must I post in afrikaans.

You blame the Souties for everything. It is why you hate Sards so much. He has a boertjie name and has turned his back on you.

Christ knows what he thinks of me!

I have a very english name and my forbears took refuge in Ladysmith during the Siege. I think General Botha may have occupied the family farmhouse, though.

[Chilli]

Sards call me Julius Malema. Vok him.

[‘tsek]

I blame Soutie Dobson with his team selection.

You must read my posts, or must I post in afrikaans.

You blame the Souties for everything. It is why you hate Sards so much. He has a boertjie name and has turned his back on you.

Christ knows what he thinks of me!

I have a very english name and my forbears took refuge in Ladysmith during the Siege. I think General Botha may have occupied the family farmhouse, though.

Pity ‘bout the siege thing and picking the “winning” side, but at least your family made up for it by extending the generaal some hospitality. The Bothas have long memories. Any government contracts from oom PW back in the good old bad days?

[OomStruisbaai]

I blame Soutie Dobson with his team selection.

You must read my posts, or must I post in afrikaans.

You blame the Souties for everything. It is why you hate Sards so much. He has a boertjie name and has turned his back on you.

Christ knows what he thinks of me!

I have a very english name and my forbears took refuge in Ladysmith during the Siege. I think General Botha may have occupied the family farmhouse, though.

Where's my Mauser? Need to clean it. The only thing that save you is that the real English hates you. They never realize you are on their side.

[Chilli]

I wonder who Oom hates more?
Souties?
Joiners?
Verraiers?
Naas Botha?
People who microwave their meat at a braai?

[Sards]

I wonder who Oom hates more?
Souties?
Joiners?
Verraiers?
Naas Botha?
People who microwave their meat at a braai?

Me....


For the record. I only have one word for WP/ Stormers


CLUSTERFUCK

[Big Nipper]

I wonder who Oom hates more?
Souties?
Joiners?
Verraiers?
Naas Botha?
People who microwave their meat at a braai?

Me....


For the record. I only have one word for WP/ Stormers


CLUSTERFUCK

Or as some refer to it, a Sards website

[Rinkals]

You blame the Souties for everything. It is why you hate Sards so much. He has a boertjie name and has turned his back on you.

Christ knows what he thinks of me!

I have a very english name and my forbears took refuge in Ladysmith during the Siege. I think General Botha may have occupied the family farmhouse, though.

Pity ‘bout the siege thing and picking the “winning” side, but at least your family made up for it by extending the generaal some hospitality. The Bothas have long memories. Any government contracts from oom PW back in the good old bad days?

State Capture from the Nineteenth Century?

Nope.

The farmhouse has been converted to a B&B these days and when I visited there a few years ago, there were little plaques with accounts about how the house was used as Centre of Operations for the Boers. That's all I know, I'm afraid. There's a tiny chapel close by where family members are buried which dates back to the mid eighteen hundreds.

[Sards]

I wonder who Oom hates more?
Souties?
Joiners?
Verraiers?
Naas Botha?
People who microwave their meat at a braai?

Me....


For the record. I only have one word for WP/ Stormers


CLUSTERFUCK

Or as some refer to it, a Sards website

Actually you fucking moron. Its not my website but my wife's. What an absolute doos you are...

An absolute disgrace

[Big Nipper]

Me....


For the record. I only have one word for WP/ Stormers


CLUSTERFUCK

Or as some refer to it, a Sards website

Actually you fucking moron. Its not my website but my wife's. What an absolute doos you are...

An absolute disgrace

[OomStruisbaai]

I wonder who Oom hates more?
Souties?
Joiners?
Verraiers?
Naas Botha?
People who microwave their meat at a braai?

Konte that compare me to Julius Malema.

[Chilli]

I wonder who Oom hates more?
Souties?
Joiners?
Verraiers?
Naas Botha?
People who microwave their meat at a braai?

Konte that compare me to Julius Malema.

[‘tsek]

Christ knows what he thinks of me!

I have a very english name and my forbears took refuge in Ladysmith during the Siege. I think General Botha may have occupied the family farmhouse, though.

Pity ‘bout the siege thing and picking the “winning” side, but at least your family made up for it by extending the generaal some hospitality. The Bothas have long memories. Any government contracts from oom PW back in the good old bad days?

State Capture from the Nineteenth Century?

Nope.

The farmhouse has been converted to a B&B these days and when I visited there a few years ago, there were little plaques with accounts about how the house was used as Centre of Operations for the Boers. That's all I know, I'm afraid. There's a tiny chapel close by where family members are buried which dates back to the mid eighteen hundreds.

Waaaaay off topic (but so are all saffa threads sooner or later) where is the farmhouse Rinky?

[Sards]

I wonder who Oom hates more?
Souties?
Joiners?
Verraiers?
Naas Botha?
People who microwave their meat at a braai?

Konte that compare me to Julius Malema.

Juliaaas... from Struisbaai

[Sards]

Konte that compare me to Julius Malema.

Juliaaas... from Struisbaai

A Malema in a dilemma

[Rinkals]

Pity ‘bout the siege thing and picking the “winning” side, but at least your family made up for it by extending the generaal some hospitality. The Bothas have long memories. Any government contracts from oom PW back in the good old bad days?

State Capture from the Nineteenth Century?

Nope.

The farmhouse has been converted to a B&B these days and when I visited there a few years ago, there were little plaques with accounts about how the house was used as Centre of Operations for the Boers. That's all I know, I'm afraid. There's a tiny chapel close by where family members are buried which dates back to the mid eighteen hundreds.

Waaaaay off topic (but so are all saffa threads sooner or later) where is the farmhouse Rinky?

Acton Homes.

[Chilli]

REACTION: Western Province Rugby Football Union President Zelt Marais is looking for ‘trustworthy’ partners that “respect confidentiality”.

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This is the reaction of the troubled WPRFU boss, following the double – potential knock-out – blow that hit his union this week.

The one-two that was landed on Marais and his executive came on Thursday – when, with hours of each other, Flyt (the redevelopment partners of the Newlands and Brookside properties) announced it is going to claim damages and then their American partners (MVM Holding) also dropped the bomb that they are walking away.

Marco V Masotti, the South African-born-and-bred American lawyer, confirmed that MVM Holdings ceased negotiations with the WPRFU.

Flyt CEO Zane de Decker announced earlier on Thursday that his company was to claim ‘damages’ from WPRFU, over the latter’s decision to renege on the deal the two groups signed in June.

As @rugby365com reported recently, a change of attorneys is at the heart of their sudden about-turn in the aeonian and mutable Newlands redevelopment saga.

Despite the escalating drama around his head, Marais was pertinacious in his desire to take the union forward.

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He was bemused by the decision of Flyt to go public with their actions – including “calling up the secured loans” that the Flyt Group holds over the Newlands stadium and other properties.

“The matter is being handled between the attorneys of WPRFU and Flyt,” Marais told @rugby365com, in reaction to Thursday’s dramatic developments.

“We were very surprised in the media release by Flyt, as we have an agreement in place that only joint media statements would be made and that we would at all times act in good faith with each other.”

Marais also accused Flyt of being “selective with facts”.

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“WPRFU is taking legal advice whether it [Flyt] would be in breach of the agreement in releasing a media statement.”

The WPRFU boss was equally flabbergasted by the MVM move, given the positive few that was put forward after the face-to-face the two groups had in Cape Town last month.

WPRFU officials and members of the MVM Consortium had two meetings in mid-November – one on Friday, November 13, and another on the following Monday, November 16.

WPRFU was represented by the union President, Marais, Ebrahim Rasool, Chairman of the board of WPPR (the commercial arm of WPRFU) and Danny Jones, General Manager, WP Amateur Rugby.

Masotti, the South African-born-and-bred American lawyer, and Michael Yormark, Roc Nation President, were the men in the MVM Holdings corner.

Roc Nation manages two of South Africa’s most high-profile stars – Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi and World Cup hero Cheslin Kolbe.

Marais confirmed they had no advanced warning about a change in attitude from Masotti, ahead of this past Thursday’s big bombshell.

“We are surprised in the communication, as we are in the process of finalizing the investment offer document for MVM and other interested investors.

“We were then to do our due diligence on all the parties that were serious to partner with WPRFU.”

Marais did not responded to a question about how many other potential ‘partners’ there are and who they may be.

He said he has a clear view of what type of partners they are looking for now.

“Going forward, WP Rugby wishes for the confidentiality of negotiating parties and deals to be respected.”

@king365ed
@rugby365com

He is the Trump of rugby. Blames everyone else and plays the victem.

[OomStruisbaai]

Never trust a Shark.

[Sards]

2020....the year for South African rugby to renege on deals. Has not done any good for our reputation as potential partners.

[Rinkals]

Never trust a Shark.

Because the WPRFU are known to be ethically immaculate??

[OomStruisbaai]

Never trust a Shark.

Because the WPRFU are known to be ethically immaculate??

Thats to high english for me.

[OomStruisbaai]

SA RM

.Western Province and Stormers coach John Dobson says there is unanimous buy-in from ‘all players’ who have indicated a desire to remain with the union and franchise. CRAIG LEWIS reports.

On Tuesday, WP chairman Ebrahim Rasool, alongside Dobson, addressed the media to provide an update on a wide range of ‘pertinent matters’.

In his opening address, Rasool stated that there had been a full-day board meeting on Saturday, where open discussions had been held to discuss the way forward and address the ‘issues and perceptions’ that have plagued WP Rugby of late.

This followed a tumultuous end to last week when WP Rugby first faced the news that Flyt Property Investment would be seeking ‘damages’ from the WPRFU over reneging on an agreement signed in June 2020, while American consortium MVM Holdings pulled out of negotiations around a prospective investment.


Those latest setbacks came after a long line of issues that have come to light, prompting the formulation of what was labelled on Tuesday as a ‘practical and credible action plan’.

‘We want to act in a way that indicates we are pursuing a path of excellence, not only on the field, but off it in the boardrooms as well,’ Rasool said. ‘We are making pivotal changes, aimed at excellence.

‘Off-the-field actions must be underpinned by sound governance and good leadership, while seeking to achieve the goal of sustaining a world-class rugby team, capable of at least being in the final of the Currie Cup next year, and a major contender for international competitions in the season after.

‘Player happiness and security must be linked with financial accountability and sustainability, transparent governance, engagement with stakeholders, and goals of inclusive transformation.’

While this sounds good in principle, Rasool was pressed on a number of concerns that have arisen in WP Rugby circles, most recently exacerbated by the fears of a player fallout after the collapse of the MVM deal.

For some time, it has been reported that a number of the Stormers’ senior players were resistant to negotiate contract extensions until there is certainty about long-term stability on and off the field.

And now with the prospect of a potential deal between MVM and the Sharks – instead of WP – going through, it’s even been rumoured that someone such as captain Siya Kolisi – a high-profile Roc Nation representative – could be drawn to move to Durban.

READ: American investors look to Sharks

However, Dobson moved to explain the productive talks that had taken place, speaking to the media effectively as a representative of the ‘on-field’ group.

‘We are enthused and excited by recent developments,’ he said. ‘We have had some tough times out there in the media, but as a playing group we know that are blessed – due to the goodwill of shareholders and the board – with a world-class team. We have not been in the business of acquiring [players] from outside, but we want to retain [the talent we have].

‘Under the chairman’s guidance, we’ve engaged with every single player and all have indicated a desire to stay – and that’s a great reflection on the union and franchise. This strategy of the board will give enormous confidence to the players to retain their futures here.’

ALSO READ: Province coach addresses transfer rumours

Dobson added that with players currently under contract until the end of October 2021, they would now go through the next steps of negotiations ‘sooner rather than later’ to begin to formalise the various contract extensions, ultimately in the hope of retaining the ‘same squad going into 2022′ and beyond.

[Sards]

I honestly don't see a deal emerging with the Sharks. The Sharks were first to go on a buying spree, snapping up all the most talented youngsters. Then the Bulls bought all the experienced players.

But at no point has there been a hint that the Sharks resources are dwindling or under severe strain where salaries were under threat of not being paid.

There has always been an ethos of ex players being involved at the Sharks. In some form or another. And the performances and marketing of the Sharks has always been at a different level to the other franchises.

So a partnership would not be based on a need for financial assistance.

I think its just show boating from the investment group. Of all the teams going north for competition the Lions would be the better option for re- investment. Stormers are too messy with clubs determining the future. Bulls are already sorted. So too the Sharks. Lions could do great things if investment lured big names. It may even be a better home for the disenfranchised Stormers players.

I don't want to see Kolisi at the Sharks. That would be disastrous. Amm is doing a fine job and really does Amp up the team. Kolisi in the mix would cause great dissent as he would be a passenger forced into the team. It has Failure written all over it.

Maybe at the Lions once again.

As to WP/Stormers....can't see any way out of this mess bar supplementing the players salaries with Springbok contracts like Rassie did. The administration is a complete mess.

[Chilli]

I honestly don't see a deal emerging with the Sharks. The Sharks were first to go on a buying spree, snapping up all the most talented youngsters. Then the Bulls bought all the experienced players.

But at no point has there been a hint that the Sharks resources are dwindling or under severe strain where salaries were under threat of not being paid.

There has always been an ethos of ex players being involved at the Sharks. In some form or another. And the performances and marketing of the Sharks has always been at a different level to the other franchises.

So a partnership would not be based on a need for financial assistance.

I think its just show boating from the investment group. Of all the teams going north for competition the Lions would be the better option for re- investment. Stormers are too messy with clubs determining the future. Bulls are already sorted. So too the Sharks. Lions could do great things if investment lured big names. It may even be a better home for the disenfranchised Stormers players.

I don't want to see Kolisi at the Sharks. That would be disastrous. Amm is doing a fine job and really does Amp up the team. Kolisi in the mix would cause great dissent as he would be a passenger forced into the team. It has Failure written all over it.

Maybe at the Lions once again.

As to WP/Stormers....can't see any way out of this mess bar supplementing the players salaries with Springbok contracts like Rassie did. The administration is a complete mess.

Except for The Bulls, there isn't a team which doesn't need the R100 million that the Yank is offering.

[Sards]

I honestly don't see a deal emerging with the Sharks. The Sharks were first to go on a buying spree, snapping up all the most talented youngsters. Then the Bulls bought all the experienced players.

But at no point has there been a hint that the Sharks resources are dwindling or under severe strain where salaries were under threat of not being paid.

There has always been an ethos of ex players being involved at the Sharks. In some form or another. And the performances and marketing of the Sharks has always been at a different level to the other franchises.

So a partnership would not be based on a need for financial assistance.

I think its just show boating from the investment group. Of all the teams going north for competition the Lions would be the better option for re- investment. Stormers are too messy with clubs determining the future. Bulls are already sorted. So too the Sharks. Lions could do great things if investment lured big names. It may even be a better home for the disenfranchised Stormers players.

I don't want to see Kolisi at the Sharks. That would be disastrous. Amm is doing a fine job and really does Amp up the team. Kolisi in the mix would cause great dissent as he would be a passenger forced into the team. It has Failure written all over it.

Maybe at the Lions once again.

As to WP/Stormers....can't see any way out of this mess bar supplementing the players salaries with Springbok contracts like Rassie did. The administration is a complete mess.

Except for The Bulls, there isn't a team which doesn't need the R100 million that the Yank is offering.

The ex players at the Sharks would never allow the Sharks to sell their soul. Unless it was to market the team up North. And shore up our front row. But if drafting in Kolisi was part of the marketing strategy I think there would be resistance

[Chilli]

I honestly don't see a deal emerging with the Sharks. The Sharks were first to go on a buying spree, snapping up all the most talented youngsters. Then the Bulls bought all the experienced players.

But at no point has there been a hint that the Sharks resources are dwindling or under severe strain where salaries were under threat of not being paid.

There has always been an ethos of ex players being involved at the Sharks. In some form or another. And the performances and marketing of the Sharks has always been at a different level to the other franchises.

So a partnership would not be based on a need for financial assistance.

I think its just show boating from the investment group. Of all the teams going north for competition the Lions would be the better option for re- investment. Stormers are too messy with clubs determining the future. Bulls are already sorted. So too the Sharks. Lions could do great things if investment lured big names. It may even be a better home for the disenfranchised Stormers players.

I don't want to see Kolisi at the Sharks. That would be disastrous. Amm is doing a fine job and really does Amp up the team. Kolisi in the mix would cause great dissent as he would be a passenger forced into the team. It has Failure written all over it.

Maybe at the Lions once again.

As to WP/Stormers....can't see any way out of this mess bar supplementing the players salaries with Springbok contracts like Rassie did. The administration is a complete mess.

Except for The Bulls, there isn't a team which doesn't need the R100 million that the Yank is offering.

The ex players at the Sharks would never allow the Sharks to sell their soul. Unless it was to market the team up North. And shore up our front row. But if drafting in Kolisi was part of the marketing strategy I think there would be resistance

The Sharks ex players?
Do you think that they would turn down R100 million?
The Shsrks are used to playing with passengers. In his last few seasons Keegan Daniel's was paid to do fokol.
The old Frenchie fullback.
Currently the players wearing 12, 13, 14, 11 and 15 do fokol except defend.
Sounds about less of a workload than what Koloisi has now